for one of my classes i'm writing a paper on how the barbie has affected childrens' body image. do any of you have any links that would be of help or have any good ideas? thanks in advance
If you are including an ethnic element at all (And you should) there is a great article by Ann Ducille called "dyes and dolls" looking at the effect of white barbies -- and black barbies that look exactly like white barbies -- on girls of color.
I played with Barbies during my childhood and part of high school. I can honestly say it didn't effect me in the least. I have low self esteem/body image but not because of Barbies. But because of other kids teasing me.
I didn't even think about wanting to look like Barbie. She was just something I played with.
yeah same here....i didn't really compare myself to the barbies/toys i played with but with other kids at school... like i remember when we'd have to sit on the floor for "story time" in like 2nd grade and i'd avoid sitting indian-style because i hated my thighs, but it was from comparing myself to the other girls in my class. barbies were just a toy to me...i don't think my mind was even mature enough to see a doll as a real-life influence
barbies were just a toy to me...i don't think my mind was even mature enough to see a doll as a real-life influence
Right. I would escape into my room for hours making up all kinds of elaborate storylines (my Barbie started her period while at the gym and had to tie her jacket around her waist) but I never looked at her and said "I want boobs like hers".
But then again no one TOLD me not to do that. My cousin wasn't allowed to play with Barbies because her mom said it would give her a bad self image. if someone had told me that I would get a bad self image from it, then I might have. But my mind just never went there.
I dont think its so much the doll but the play, are they dressing the doll or all day and doing its hair? or is the doll going on adventures, playing house, being a vet. Also, Are the parents talking to the child about beauty, and such. I don't think dolls can make someone hate themself, or feel ugly, it has to be a mix of media and never being told, that a doll is fake. They are real. That beauty is fake thereofore you can not compare yourself to it. This needs to be learned throughout life
( ... )
I second firecracked 's suggestion of Kilbourne's Can't Buy My Love (I used it for several differnt women's studies classes, as well as my grad Adv Human Sexuality. There are some great articles in The Bust Guide to the New Girl Order.
I don't think it's just Barbie, although Barbie does impact children's body image and self-esteem. I think it's a broader scope, mostly the media in general. Think to how most people/media refers to children - girls are cute, sweet, and wear pretty dresses. Boys are strong
Comments 17
http://www.nd.edu/~frswrite/mcpartlin/2000/Schank.shtml is another article I found while googling the first one.
Reply
I didn't even think about wanting to look like Barbie. She was just something I played with.
Reply
Reply
Right. I would escape into my room for hours making up all kinds of elaborate storylines (my Barbie started her period while at the gym and had to tie her jacket around her waist) but I never looked at her and said "I want boobs like hers".
But then again no one TOLD me not to do that. My cousin wasn't allowed to play with Barbies because her mom said it would give her a bad self image. if someone had told me that I would get a bad self image from it, then I might have. But my mind just never went there.
Reply
Bratz on the other hand.. should go to hell.
Reply
Reply
I don't think it's just Barbie, although Barbie does impact children's body image and self-esteem. I think it's a broader scope, mostly the media in general. Think to how most people/media refers to children - girls are cute, sweet, and wear pretty dresses. Boys are strong
Reply
Leave a comment